Still With Us

Posted on Mon Mar 31st, 2025 @ 1:52pm by Lieutenant JG Toareth Darqa

627 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: R&R
Location: DS9 Promenade
Timeline: Current

Toareth was on the promenade of DS9, having a tea and sitting alone at a table watching as people strolled by and went about their respective days. The crew was on R&R while the Britannic was docked though there was not much R&R for Toareth to enjoy in truth. She had the time but was, so far, not finding much enjoyment in it all.

Gabrielle stayed aboard the Britannic, being looked over by Keselowski and the Sick Bay crew or by Zirvell, etc. Toareth felt she needed a little time away from it all. She was back to being a single mother it seemed with Rene off on another ship hunting their escaped fugitive. On top of it all, she got herself a promotion. Whereas many would be overjoyed at the thought, and the new pips, Toareth did not find herself overjoyed. Something else was on her mind, and it regarded the last time she was at DS9, sitting in the Promenade, at the very table she was sitting at now.

"Toareth," came a familiar voice. Looking, Toar saw a large group of people; impossible to find who it was that called her name. Again and she started zeroing in on the person's location. Toareth finally saw a waving hand which belonged to Ezri Dax, giving her best tip-toed extended arm excited wave. "Toareth!" she called again as their eyes met.

Ezri appeared so excited. Toareth remained indifferent.

Ezri waded her way through the crowd and arrived upon Toareth, taking a seat. "It's good to see you again."

"And you," Toareth replied. "I was not expecting to be here. My ship is docked..."

"Ship?," Ezri said. "You have a ship now?"

"Yes, The U.S.S Britannic. We are a medical ship."

"You are aboard the Medical ship."

"And I am the CMO."

"Congratulations," Ezri perked up at the news. "To be honest, I was not sure I would ever see you again. I...uh..." and she left it at that.

"Yeah, I...needed to find someone."

"By our conversation...forgive me please...but it sounded like you needed to see this person one last time. And then you were going to..."

Toareth was nodding. "Yeah. I was in that mindset. I had little else to..."

"Did you find this person? Did they help you get you out of that mindset?"

Toareth was shaking her head minutely. "I didn't find her."

"Oh," Ezri said. "Who was it? Family, friend, relative somehow...?" She could see Toareth was not going to provide answer. "Well, I'm sure she is fine. And I am sure she is just as glad as I am that you are still with us."

Toareth remained indifferent. So far, only one person knew the truth, and he was far away off on another assignment. She did not deem it the right time to tell another the painful secret, much less in such a public space. She said nothing.

"I am actually due somewhere, and having to perform my rounds as station counselor. We should catch up."

Toareth gave a singular nod with no intention at all in catching up.

"You look good Toareth. And I am sure you have a wonderful crew. Keep all that in mind. Keep them close. Keep those who know and love you nearby and you will be able to withstand any situation."

With a smile, Ezri stood and stepped away further down the promenade. Toareth turned in her seat to watch as Dax went away. Those final words rang in Toareth's memory. She had heard those words before. Not those exact words but the sentiment was the same; way back when she visited a religious priest on Trillius Prime.

Returning to her tea, Toareth gave it little further thought.

 

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